McConnell Won't Back Cruz on Health-Law Strategy

Senate Minority Leader Says He Doesn't Support Efforts to Block Legislation; First Test Vote Set for Wednesday

By

Janet Hook

Sept. 23, 2013 7:56 p.m. ET

A push by Senate conservatives to eliminate funding for the new federal health-care law suffered a setback Monday, when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wouldn't support their strategy when legislation comes before the chamber this week.

The announcement by Mr. McConnell (R., Ky.) put him at odds with Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) and other conservatives allied with the tea-party movement. They have promised to use...